Americans, however, will have to wait, perhaps for a while. According to ExtremeNano, the Rio hybrid (called the "Pride") is part of a test fleet to be sold in South Korea.
Production is to commence some time in 2009. A press release from Kia states the Pride will be powered by a 1.4 liter engine coupled with an electric motor. Combined horsepower is in the low hundreds. Gas mileage is expected to be approximately 53 miles per gallon.
Our take? If the hybrid wave continues here in the U.S., don?t be surprised if Kia starts offering its version by 2015 if not earlier.